USVI governor calls for talks with BVI over maritime licensing rules
Key Points(5)
- has called for an urgent meeting between the U.S.
- Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands governments after U.S.
- federal agencies raised concerns about the BVI’s Commercial Recreational Vessel License framework and its potential impact on USVI maritime businesses.
- 17 meeting with Bryan at the U.S.
- Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., representatives from the Interior, State, Homeland Security and Commerce departments, along with the Office of the U.S.
U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has called for an urgent meeting between the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands governments after U.S. federal agencies raised concerns about the BVI’s Commercial Recreational Vessel License framework and its potential impact on USVI maritime businesses.
During a Sept. 17 meeting with Bryan at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., representatives from the Interior, State, Homeland Security and Commerce departments, along with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Small Business Administration, asked about the status of the BVI licensing matter and its implications for USVI-based commercial operators, passenger movement and regional commerce.
The discussion highlighted broader U.S. federal interests involving U.S.-flagged vessels, American businesses and passengers, maritime activity and cross-border commerce.
Following the meeting, Bryan proposed that the two territories convene an Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington during the week of Oct. 12, with relevant federal agencies participating. He requested written confirmation from the BVI government by Sept. 25.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands has approached this issue in good faith and with respect for the BVI’s authority to regulate commercial activity in its waters,” Bryan said. “But these regulations have consequences for U.S. businesses, U.S. vessels and U.S. passengers, and the interest expressed by our federal partners makes clear that this matter extends beyond the waters separating our two territories.”
Federal representatives indicated they were willing to participate in a coordinated discussion, and federal meeting space has been offered for the proposed October session, subject to final scheduling.
BVI licensing fees
The BVI’s previously announced CRVL framework includes an annual charge of $7,500 for certain foreign-based term-charter vessels with up to seven entries, $2,100 for each additional entry and $24,000 for unlimited entries.
The framework also includes fees of $8,500 for day trips and $2,500 for water-taxi licenses.
The Bryan administration has raised concerns about the cumulative effect of the fees, entry restrictions, preauthorization requirements, vessel documentation and crew-clearance procedures on USVI charter vessels, water taxis, dive operators and other maritime businesses.
“Our businesses cannot be expected to operate indefinitely under escalating costs, uncertain procedures and requirements that affect their ability to compete and earn a living,” Bryan said. “We are neighbors, and our preference is to resolve this cooperatively. But we also have a responsibility to protect the economic interests of the people and businesses of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The proposed Washington meeting would address CRVL implementation, licensing fees and entry limitations, customs and immigration procedures, vessel and crew requirements, and standards for cross-border maritime operations.
The USVI is also seeking a documented work plan outlining responsibilities, deadlines, interim protections for affected operators and a schedule for follow-up discussions.
Bryan said the October meeting could provide an opportunity for the two territories to resolve their differences before broader federal action becomes necessary.
“We have offered a clear path forward,” Bryan said. “The appropriate next step is for the BVI Government to come to the table with the USVI and our federal partners so we can address these concerns constructively and establish a stable path forward for the maritime economy we share.”
If the matter remains unresolved, the relevant federal agencies could consider issues within their respective jurisdictions involving maritime safety, customs, immigration, border security, transportation, trade and other federal interests affecting U.S. vessels, businesses, passengers and commerce.
The Bryan-Roach administration said it will continue coordinating with USVI maritime businesses, industry stakeholders and federal partners while awaiting the BVI government's response.
